Factory 3D design technology revolutionizes the traditional approach of 2D design by leveraging advanced CAD technology in the design sector. The implementation of 3D design for thermal power plants is still in its early stages in China. This article explores the application of 3D design systems in power plant engineering, offering insights and references for the advancement of 3D design systems in thermal power plants. While 3D design technology has already achieved notable success in process-centric industrial design overseas, the widespread adoption of three-dimensional reactor design technology in Chinese power plant projects remains a relatively new endeavor. Here, we discuss the experiences of Inner Mongolia Electric Power Survey and Design Institute in engineering projects.
Keywords: 3D design technology, power plant design, promotion and application, 3D solid models
Since the start of the 21st century, in an effort to modernize power design enterprises and benefit from the experiences of leading design institutes and engineering firms, our institute initiated the development of a 3D design system in 2004. We have since incorporated it into engineering design practices. Over the past five years, the mechanical engineering 3D design system at our institute has matured and been implemented in several projects, marking our entrance into the “3D design” era. This progress has helped us establish a shared engineering language with major domestic power design institutes and engineering firms. Throughout the adoption of the 3D design system, we have encountered both successes and challenges, gaining valuable experience along the way. We have learned that applying, promoting, and developing the 3D design system within the Electric Power Design Institute requires both foresight and practicality. The advancement of 3D design capabilities is indicative of our institute’s move to the forefront of the electric power design industry.
1. Advantages of 3D Design Technology
In essence, the 3D design system for thermal power plants uses 3D technology to create detailed solid models of pipelines, equipment, electrical systems, structural elements, and more, all within a computer environment. By conducting collision detection and optimizing these models, we can generate various construction drawings and corresponding material reports directly from the digital models. The practical application of digital modeling technology in factories has disrupted the conventional 2D design paradigm, leading to significant changes in design concepts, methodologies, processes, and management. This technology provides engineers with innovative tools and a completely new approach to design.
Designing 3D solid models in a digital environment allows engineers to vividly visualize the design context, greatly facilitating their work. The comprehensive 3D technology database can effectively eliminate collisions and even achieve zero error rates during the design phase. The information embedded in the models is intuitive, accurate, and detailed, directly supporting procurement, manufacturing, and installation processes. As a result, the connection between design and construction is strengthened, which aligns with the needs of integrated engineering contracting.
In recent years, major design institutes and engineering companies have achieved high levels of information management by using network and database technologies. With successful data sharing in place, remote design collaboration has become possible, enabling organizations to reduce overall project costs by leveraging local advantages. The foundation of 3D technology lies in the sharing of project design data.
2. Application of 3D Modeling Technology by Inner Mongolia Electric Power Design Institute
In July 2004, the Inner Mongolia Electric Power Survey and Design Institute adopted the PDMS (Plant Design Management System) software developed by AVEVA, a British company. The initial phase involved localizing the component and specification libraries through training and adaptation. The system was then first applied during the early design phase of the Ulanshan Power Plant project. Over more than four months, the team built the model, performed collision checks, and created a walkthrough animation of the main factory building. Using the model, they extracted 3D axonometric drawings and generated 2D layout drawings for certain construction documents, establishing a solid foundation for subsequent development.
Through preliminary exploration of the system, the following insights were gained for discussion and peer exchange:
- Establishing an organizational management structure and workflow tailored to 3D design is critical.
- Managing interfaces in 3D models should preserve the benefits of 3D collaborative design while ensuring quality control.
- A suitable evaluation system for model quality is necessary.
- Developing maintenance tools to enhance engineering database management can improve overall 3D design efficiency.
- The use of coding systems facilitates easier management of engineering data. While coding systems are just beginning to be implemented in domestic power design, their adoption is crucial.
- Accumulating and summarizing 3D models promotes modular design, which significantly improves design efficiency.
3. In-depth Application of 3D Modeling Technology
3.1 The Relationship Between 3D Modeling Technology and Engineering Information Integration Systems
Leveraging advanced computer technology to operate engineering information integration systems efficiently is essential for transforming traditional design methods and improving both efficiency and quality. 3D design technology forms the foundation for the entire design information system. When integrated with other professional databases and software, it can encompass nearly all engineering design data, enabling true data sharing throughout the entire engineering process. This is the core concept of a digital power plant, supporting full-cycle digital management.
The construction of an engineering information integration system depends on factors such as enterprise size and business development capabilities. Therefore, the application of 3D design technology must be tailored to the project environment and the structure of the enterprise’s information integration framework. Integrating our self-developed production and operation management system with 3D design technology allows us to fully exploit the advantages of both computer and 3D design technologies in engineering applications.
3.2 The Need for a Dedicated Project Design Organizational Structure
The adoption of 3D design technology introduces new demands not only for designers but also for the organizational and management structure, as well as the design process itself. Advanced design processes require greater specialization among designers. While a few individuals need to have a comprehensive understanding of the entire project and handle technical challenges, most team members can focus on their specific responsibilities, ensuring high quality in their own tasks. This division of labor leads to a high-quality final product.
Traditional design methods, lacking advanced processes and clear responsibilities, often result in redundant data and communication barriers, increasing the coordination workload. By freeing engineers from repetitive paperwork and allowing them to concentrate on design and optimization, the project organization can become more streamlined. Most tasks can be handled by trained technical staff, while a small group of highly qualified professionals manage bidding, system design, calculations, and research, enabling efficient allocation of human and material resources towards core technology development.
3.3 Benefits of 3D Design Technology
The use of 3D design technology offers several key advantages:
- Improved Design Quality and Competitiveness: By creating direct 3D solid models, design conflicts can be detected and eliminated early, reducing rework and material waste and maximizing use of factory space.
- Accurate 2D layout drawings can be generated by slicing the solid model as required.
- Visualization technology makes design concepts more intuitive, which enhances design quality and product competitiveness.
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